[QUOTE=chris2002,Feb 20 2006, 02:11 PM] So it is really a marketing gimick.

 

Thank you all for your insights. My Hifonics 4-channel amp and the Visonik sub amp are set up for variable input voltage with a range from 2 to 6 volts.

By using a stronger output signal (6 volt) from the stock head unit to the line output converter to the amp, I am getting a very clean signal from the stock head unit, especially when playing a CD.

If I go to an aftermarket unit, I want something that is a major step up without paying too high a price. So I have looked at the Alpine 9851, on sale at Crutchfield, and the Eclipse CD-2000 and CD-3000 that they will be stocking next month.

I came across BOSS units because it's specs compare very favorably to the higher end head units by Alpine, Kenwood, Clarion. The one I am most intrigued with is the BOSS 630U -- MP3, 1 Bit DA, ESP anti skip shock protection, 5volt outputs, Two sets of RCA, Subwoofer RCA output and control, SD/MM card input, USB port, and Aux input, and it is retailing for about $110 (List $200). They have another model 638U with motorized faceplate and bluetooth, for around $180 (List $300).
Source: Online Car Stereo.com.

Bob at Modifry said that he needs me to send him the remote and he can adapt the IR DCI to work with the BOSS units.

Now compare that to Alpine 9851 -- 2volt output, three sets of outputs, no SD or USB, aux extra $$ for $230 on sale. Alpine 9855 -- 4volt output, three sets of outputs .... $350.


That's $120 vs. $230. What do you think?


Is there such a thing as being innovative and affordable?

Chris

 

Chris you can't compare an Alpine HU to a Boss. Its honestly like apples and banana's, not even close.
Boss is one of those brands you can get at the local Autozone or Pepboys kind of place(sidenote: not sure if those store carry them but you get the point)

You've better off sticking to the stocker. There's a reason that Alpine HU costs $100+ more dollars.

However that said... Its your car man

 

Although I like bananas better than apples, I agree with John. Boss is not a competitor to Alpine in ANY way.

 

Thanks for info. I know that Alpine is very good, but it is pretty high priced for the published performance. Then again, so is Kenwood, JVC, anything good. But at one time these companies were not so expensive when they went for marketshare.

I will go with your advice. I guess, if it sounds too good.... maybe it is too good to be true.

I will stick with the better known brands instead of brand X.

Chris

 

Well you can always try it out for yourself. Its your car and money dude.

 

Are you sure its not .2V for the Hifonics? If its the Titan 8800, that is the EXACT same amp I have installed. Great amp. I want to say the input range for that amp is .2V-4V, though.....I will check this afternoon.

John

 

My amp is a Hifonics, but it is the Warrior Eagle. Very compact. The inputs are adjustable from 2 volts up to 6 volts. Right now I have it on 6 volts because it is coming off a low-noise isolated 4-channel converter and the signal is very clean for something that has been stepped on three times (HU pre-amp to HU amp to converter to amp).

Chris